This article focuses on cucumber farming in Kenya. Cucumber farming is quite a profitable venture in Kenya. It is a warm-season crop that is mainly grown for its immature fruits.
Varieties of Cucumber Grown in Kenya
- Carmen F1.
- Palomer.
- Woodland crisp.
- Colorado.
- Poisette.
- Hybrid victory.
- Danora F1.
- Early fortune
- Yellow fellow.
Ecological Conditions for Growing Cucumber
- Fertile and well drained loamy soils with pH of 6.5-7.5.
- Temperature range between 18-30°c.
- Altitudes of up to 1700m above sea level.
- Access to 6-8 hours of direct sunlight on a daily basis.
- Optimum rainfall of 800mm.
Propagation and Planting
Cucumber is propagated by seeds which can be sown directly in the field or first raised in a seedbed and then transplanted to the main field after some time. The best way is to plant the seeds directly in the main field.
Planting should be done in rows with planting holes having a depth of 2cm and spacing of 60cm by 90cm between plants.
Fertiliser Application
During planting, mix soil with organic manure and about 200kg of DAP per hectare. About 100kg per hectare is enough for topdressing.
The fertilisers are necessary to enhance the overall growth of the cucumber plant by providing important nutrients such as phosphorus which is essential for root development.
Farm Management Measures
Weeding
Weeds compete with the plant for important nutrients and may harbour pathogens that may lower overall productivity. It is very important to do proper weeding before planting.
Non selective herbicides such as catapult can be used to eradicate the weeds.
Irrigation
Irrigation is highly recommended for the purpose of maintaining soil moisture. The best method of irrigation is drip irrigation.
Mulching
Mulching is necessary as it is beneficial in various ways. It aids in the conservation of moisture, supply of nutrients and preventing the growth of weeds.
Pests and Diseases
Common pests that may attack the cucumber plant include aphids, fruit flies, cutworms, epilachna beetles, real spider mites, leaf miners, root knot nematodes and thrips. The pests can be eradicated using recommended insecticides and pesticides such as pentagon, kingcode elite, profile… etc.
Common diseases include damping off, downey mildew, anthracnose, angular leaf spot, fusarium wilt, cucumber mosaic and powdery mildew.
Harvesting
Cucumber takes about 50-60 days to be ready for harvesting depending on the variety grown and ecological factors or conditions.
Harvesting is done at a slightly immature stage when the cucumber is firm and deep green in colour.
Market for Cucumber in Kenya
The biggest buyers of cucumbers are high-end supermarkets, grocery stores, hotels and restaurants.
The price per kg varies depending on the market. For example in Nairobi, a kilo goes for between Kshs 30-50. In the local market, the price per piece ranges between Kshs 10-20.
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